Learning about wine
A look inside Henri Giraud Champagne
Henri Giraud Champagne was founded in 1625—back when champagne was still a still wine and Dom Pérignon was furious about bubbles. Oh well, things change. I'm embarrassed to admit I hadn't heard of this winery before. It turned out to...
Wine and food pairing: Beef Wellington and Pomerol
Beef Wellington. It's been on my list to make for a while. It looks extra festive on the table; like cutting open a present. I just hope it turns out well and the meat comes out nice and pink. Follow...
In early March, I hopped in my speedy Fiesta en route de Champagne. It's a mere five-hour drive from Rotterdam, but with the right podcasts blaring, it feels like fifteen minutes. It truly is the perfect weekend getaway for wine...
Inside Billecart-Salmon - the traditional method up close
Billecart-Salmon, Mareuil-sur-Ay – March 2, 2018 Today I'm taking you—pour yourself a nice glass—to Billecart-Salmon. Loyal fans know Billecart-Salmon from their striking Champagne Rosé, which incidentally contains a surprisingly high percentage (50%) of Chardonnay. Others may know Billecart-Salmon from The...
Methode traditionelle: how is champagne made?
How is Champagne made? What is the traditional method, or "methode traditionnelle"? How do bubbles get into wine? So many questions, so many answers. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, and Franciacorta are made using the traditional method. In short, this...
Besides the many classifications, rules, and exceptions to the rules, the region is extremely fragmented. It consists of many small plots of vineyards. This is a relic of the French Revolution. Before that time, most vineyards were owned by the...
Perswijn 'Le tour de Champagne' – what's in my glass?
For two years running, I've been attending Le Tour de Champagne. I still remember the first time vividly. Dressed in our finest dresses—my fan Hanneke came along—we walked the red carpet at the Amstel Hotel. We immersed ourselves in the...
Who runs the world? Veuve! Clicquot!
Let me briefly outline the situation of this – undoubtedly epic – tasting, although the word 'tasting' is not enough, it is a Fine Wine Experience . A big yes, that's definitely what it was. It was raining that evening. Really...
I'm taking you to Paris. The Paris of 1976. I have no idea what the city of love looked like back then, but I do know that Galeries Lafayette was already there. The department store first opened its doors in...
The forgotten grapes of Champagne
The members of Club des Vins are now trained to recite the three Champagne grapes at any given moment: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Until one of them gently but firmly points out to me that many more grapes...
7 things a wine lover should know about DRC
Wine connoisseurs among us will know what the abbreviation DRC stands for. For those who haven't yet entered this wonderful world: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. A name you'll want to remember. It refers to the legendary winery in the Côte...